Dec. 2, 2015
By Mike Gilbert, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Head coach Coquese Washington certainly knows how to get on her players' good sides. Washington bought her team a private luxury suite at the Clippers' game during the team's recent Thanksgiving trip to California that provided an opportunity to take in some basketball, relax and bond as a unit. Junior Peyton Whitted was quick to name that memory as one of her fondest over the break.
"It was fun to mingle around and watch a great game and watch Blake Griffin play," said Whitted.
But now it is time for the team to refocus on the non-conference portion of the schedule, as the Hokies of Virginia Tech pay the Lady Lions a visit at the Bryce Jordan Center Thursday as part of the B1G/ACC Challenge.
The good thing for Penn State moving forward is how dominant Whitted has been playing, notching her fourth double-digit point total of the young season against BYU over the Thanksgiving recess.
"The biggest thing outside of her confidence is her effort level; she's active," said Washington.
Washington realized Whitted was playing very actively when she popped in a recent game tape to watch with her staff. Whitted drove the baseline, got knocked down, and passed to a player on the outside. The three-ball was no good, and Whitted jumped up, fought for the rebound and put in the bucket, drawing a foul in the process.
"I mean, that kind of activity level is what's making her so consistent in her numbers," said Washington.
But it is the post players on the whole that are providing some sparks for the Lady Lions while star guard Brianna Banks is out battling injury. Candice Agee has also proven to be a major asset for the team, as she recorded her 100th career block during her return to her home state of California.
"We have a lot of confidence in [our post players], I think Candace has proven that she can be a handful and we have a lot of confidence to give her the ball. Same thing with Peyton," said Washington.
Virginia Tech is a tough matchup for the Blue and White, as the Hokies are 5-1 on the season. They are a super-aggressive team on the defensive side of the ball, with a balance of guards that can shoot and athletic post players on offense. Penn State will have to bring an A-effort to get by coach Dennis Wolff's team.
"We're obviously going to have to talk a lot on defense about the shooters and just make sure we box out and limit them to one possession per trip," said Whitted.
"It heightens everyone's intensity playing a team like Virginia Tech," added Washington.
But one thing Washington's team has is confidence, and they realize that every game is a tough grind. Washington was asked if Virginia Tech gives her club a major challenge that will prep the team for Big Ten Conference play.
"That's every team we play," said Washington without hesitation.
Virginia Tech is a big game at home, but every game will give the players an opportunity to grow heading into conference play.